Soldiers' Angels

Angel Stories
Soldiers' Angels Changes Civilian Lives, Too!

People who support the troops through Soldiers' Angels do it for the troops, not for themselves.  So they are surprised to discover that taking care of the troops can be a blessing to Angels!  Following are a few stories of how being an Angel affected the lives of volunteers.  You can also read about the reactions of service members supported by Angels here. 

I wanted to share some pictures from the first meeting of Becca and her adoptee [pictured right] at Fort Campbell this weekend.  I have to say it was one of the most touching moments I have ever experienced.  We had an amazing day with Andrew and his daughter, and he and I are determined that we will always be fast friends.  It is amazing how these two people were complete strangers a year ago and are now like part of our family.  Thank you, Soldiers Angels, for this opportunity. - Kate

I have to say, seeing all the cards and letters pour in from Angels all over the country when we lost my friend Ben in January was one of the most amazing things ever.  Knowing that people all over--even if they didn't know him personally--appreciated his sacrifice... Well, it helped a lot. That's why I joined the Living Legends Team. I'd been with SA and adopting soldiers for three years, but seeing firsthand what this team meant to those left behind...nothing beat that. - Jen

My adopted soldier returned home in October and to my surprise she sent me a thank you gift.  So sweet, but they are the ones that need our thanks. - Julie

Just read a journal entry written by my 8-year-old son. They had showed the class a piece of sea glass and asked them to write about what came to mind. It was red and white, so he thought about the American flag, which made him think of Soldiers' Angels who "help injured soldiers overseas." - Jeremy & I are starting them off on the right foot. - Lauri

Just received an email from a new adopted Soldier. She said she was in tears as she was emailing me because, "this is the first time someone had reached out" to her since she's been in the Military—11 years!  It's such an honor to be an Angel! My Christmas wish is that more people will become "Angels" and adopt our Soldiers!! - Rhonda

So this afternoon/evening I was watching the Giants vs the Packers while talking (typing) to one of my soldiers on Skype.  It was a big game which we had talked about for weeks, since he roots for Green Bay and I root for New York. He was disappointed that he couldn't watch the game or get the feed where he was overseas, so I decided to video call him on Skype, set up a snack table in front of my TV and positioned it perfectly so he could watch the "BIG GAME."  He LOVED it and I was so so excited that I could bring it to him!  He was so kind and thanked me and my parents for "allowing" him to watch the game...

The smallest little things make our heroes so happy and makes me often look back at all the things I have daily and may take for granted. Anyway, it was an awesome experience. After the game he was exhausted and went to bed to get a few hours in before he has to get up.  Now I, too, can go to bed feeling safe because of his sacrifices but also, with a smile on my face because apparently I was able to make his day God bless all our troops, especially my soldier! Sweet dreams all, and sleep well while being so thankful to all brave men and women who give up everything on a daily basis to protect us all. - Jacqueline

Before doing Soldier's Angels I was a truly unhappy person. I had nothing to look forward to or do. Writing my soldiers pulled me out of my funk! I love picking out cards and care package stuff! It makes me happy to make them happy. - Carol

My husband, son and I went shopping for our soldier tonight. We had a blast putting things in the cart.  I was surprised at the items my husband picked! Our soldier wanted sauces such as hot sauce to help with bland food but they were in glass, so we stopped at a convenience store for the packets and hubby told the clerk it was for our adopted soldier, so she gave him a quart-sized Ziploc bag full of different sauces for free!  When we left the store, my husband got in the car and said, "This brought me such joy."  Me too. Can't wait to adopt my second soldier! - Jo

Joy is when a friend with a deployed Significant Other calls and says, "Guess what?  My boyfriend got a package from Soldiers Angels.  Isn't that who you work with?" Sure is!!! SO PROUD TO BE AN ANGEL!!!! - Shirley

I want to thank Soldiers' Angels for letting me be a part of helping our men and women in uniform. My adopted soldier is just a bundle of joy and without Soldiers' Angels I wouldn't have met him. We here at my house have grown to think of him as family and I will continue to follow him after deployment as well. Thank you so much.  It was a blessing in disguise. - Brenda

When I signed up as an angel almost a year ago, I was pleasantly surprised that my adopted Soldier was one out of Ft Knox, 30 minutes away from my home…I had the extreme privilege to be able to be at Ft Lnox this morning to welcome "my soldier" home!  That is something that i would not trade for the WORLD! Not only did i get to give him a huge hug, but also had the privilege of meeting his lovely wife and four-month-old baby boy!  I could not be prouder of this young man if he was my own blood! I was moved to tears... THANK YOU SOLDIERS ANGELS FOR BRINGING SUCH A WONDERFUL YOUNG FAMILY INTO MY LIFE! GOD BLESS YOU, AND ALL THAT YOU DO! - Cheri

My first hero that I was an Angel to--way back when in like 2003 or 2004--I am still friends with.  If it weren't for SA we'd never met, and I thank God and SA every day. - Melissa

We have a 2012 Wounded Warrior's Calendar at home. There is a pic of a wounded Soldier waiting to be airlifted, visiting with Angelina Jolie. He has a homemade blanket on him. When I saw that I said to my daughters, "Soldiers' Angels got to him!" - Joan

Just want to say I love Soldier's Angels.  I've adopted two soldiers and joined the Letter Writing Team.  Its amazing how much you can help yourself by helping others! Ya'll make me so happy! - Carol

I received a letter today from a Soldier's family. They thanked me for having a part in his life and through a note explained he was KIA February 20, 2011. I had received his name for the Baking Team in December. There was a card in his footlocker addressed to me so his parents sent it along with the notice and pic of their son. His card was so sweet, grateful and very appreciative of the baked goods. He shared with his platoon and they were so happy to be thought of. It broke my heart, but gave me some joy to know he enjoyed it and that I was able to bring joy to him while he was in Afghanistan. - Jackie

[From an Angel who responded to a call on behalf of a Marine who was on a difficult deployment]:  Just wanted you to know that my husband connected with Calvin via email and it went pretty good. He definitely has a lot to vent about. They've exchanged emails twice.  There is a bond starting, especially since my husband was a marine sniper as well! We are both so happy and grateful to get this chance and my husband is so pleased and thrilled to help! - Renee

From one of my one-time care package recipients (I had included a card from the four year-old): "Hello little 4 year old, From Afghanistan with ♥. Thanks for the card it made my day. :) " He even sent back the star sticker saying he made a wish for him and hoped it came true, and included some Afghani money for him. I love what we do here! - Jody

I am enjoying very much writing to everyone.  My first adoptee, I've seen him through 2 deployments now.  We always stay in touch.  t's so nice to keep the contact up after they go back home.I hope to one day visit the US and get to meet the people I still stay in touch with. - Marg from Australia

Our company was able to send over 21 packages to soldiers, through your one-time care package program.  I've been a member for a few years, and it was AMAZING to see the excitement that fellow employees brought to the project. Thanks to all the Angels out there! - Nather

Over the past few years we have corresponded and sent packages to over a dozen deployed soldiers.  When one of our soldiers returned from Iraq after his first deployment his wife contacted us and invited us to his homecoming at Camp Pendleton.  That was over three years ago.  Since then, his family has become a part of our family.  This past weekend we hosted a surprise birthday party for his wife at our home and we were honored to have their friends spend time here once again.  Two of the warriors--one of whom has received the purple heart--had recently returned from a rehab program for soldiers suffering from PTSD.  They couldn't say enough about how thrilled they were to receive the blankets and other items that your organization had provided to them.  They were so humbled by your support and so appreciative. The work that you do is so critical; especially with the endless negative drumbeat of the media against our military.  We thought you would appreciate knowing that it's working, it's valued and appreciated. – John & Joan

Well, I have adopted a National Guardsman....I also donated $16. I am a broke single mom. But, when we dig down we can all help each other and it comes back around. We have our freedom because of these guys/girls, it needs to come back to them 10 fold! - Lisa

I already sent out a letter [to my new adoptee], and a package is being made up to ship out tomorrow.  I don't know if he'll get it for Christmas, but I'm hoping it will be close...  I sure love doing this - this is the best Christmas gift anyone could give me.  I only wish I would have found out about your organization a long time ago. - Diane

First and foremost: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  I have adopted five soldiers since I first started with Soldiers' Angels in June 2008 and it is the most rewarding experience ever!  ...I couldn't be happier, as I have a niece stationed at Ramstein AFB in Germany after serving 2 tours Iraq and she told me how much all the guys and gals over there appreciate the Angels more than words can say--more than other organizations, which they do appreciate, but they say that Soldiers' Angels are the most kindest and loving people they have in their lives besides their families, so I had to share that with you all. I feel so very blessed being a part of this organization! - Ruthi

This is the best thing I have ever done, and I am so honored!!! - Adopting Angel Mary

I have been adopting soldiers since my son-in-law's first deployment to Iraq 3 years ago.  Last August I...received the name of a female. As soon as the "adoption" took place, I received an email from her opening with "Hi Mom"! We were off and running! We are Facebook friends and she sends me gifts from Iraq. 

During her leave, she had to come to the US to take care of some business and settle her dog with a family. After that she had nowhere to go, as her family lives in another country, so she came to our home for a week! What a blessing!  Although she is of another [race] and a very different religion, she fit into our family like a hand in a glove. We showed her the sights and introduced her to Southern "rednecks" and skeet shooting and BarBQ. I cried when she left to return to Iraq for 4 more months.   Thank you for this wonderful experience.

As an approved Angel, I have been doubly blessed by this organization. I was given the rare opportunity to do some "Angeling" while I was deployed.  Shelle and Greta provided this wonderful opportunity and I will be forever grateful to them for their generosity.  It is hard for me to come up with adequate words to thank all of the Angels that sent me the countless personal cards and packages.  Big Angel Hugs go to all who sent them! - Angela C.

When I first signed up to become a Soldiers' Angel I never imagined the effect it would have on me. At first I didn't know what to write, so I wrote about my life and my kids, fights they had and our race team and how that was going, silly things. It became a release sort of...I wrote as if he was a long time friend on the other side of the world..Never really expecting to hear from him, but one day my daughter came in from getting the mail and asked who in world Alfredo was and why was he writing to me? I flipped out. I couldn't believe he had actually gotten my letters, say nothing about the fact he had written back. He had answered all the silly questions I had asked and even told me to relax about a fight I was having with my son, said, "It'll be okay, you'll see." Then whenever something happened in my life I couldn't wait to write to Alfredo and tell him about it. He's become a good friend on the other side of the world. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this amazing organization. - Kristi

As you know, our quilters send quilts to the troops and we have received letters of gratitude which we keep.  We are blessed with the continued support of our congregation and we want you to know that we think your organization and the work you do on behalf of America's best and bravest is amazing.  Thank you and may God bless all of you. – The Sew-Caring Quilters of St. Mark’s Lutheran      

Wanted to say thank you for the use of your insignia for my mother-in-law's memorial bike run. We had patches made for the family and would like to send one to your organization. She loved your group and was very involved. Thanks again. - Chris

What a personal and emotional experience this has been for me and “my soldiers!”  I have been writing and sending packages to two soldiers which I got from your program and I am happy to report BOTH of them have returned to the states safe and sound from their tours.  Both soldiers corresponded with me and PFC Murphy actually called me to thank me for all the goodies I sent him and his platoon.  Being a soldier angel was quite an experience and I am certainly glad I participated.  Thank you. - Beverly

You may never know how very much a difference is made to a soldier fighting for us so far away and in so much danger.  I started out [on the LWT] because my youngest son was deployed to Iraq…A soldier once told me that 'no letter they receive goes unread', it is just that important to them.  Another...soldier said that only seven people ever thanked him for his service to his country and most of those seven were family.  He told me I was his #7.  And I was the only one at that point who he'd received any mail from.  He carries my letter everywhere and lets his buddies read it too, so they can know that no matter what the media says, there are many many good, hardworking people back here who support the troops in big and small ways, although anything you do for them is always big no matter what…Thank you for letting me be a part in this important mission with Soldiers Angels. - Deborah

Here is a picture of me wearing the awesome Soldier's Angels T-Shirt that I wore to school today:)  ...Being a part of the Soldier's Angels organization and doing whatever I can to show my support, means so much to me!  Thanks again, Aviella Winder

I met one of our soldiers at the hospital! He gave my son an IV and I noticed his tattoos, especially one of the rifle in boots with a helmet. I asked if he'd lost anyone in Iraq and he said he had, so I mentioned Soldiers' Angels of course. Turns out his mom is…one of our volunteers! He'd met MaryAnn in Germany when he was wounded in Iraq and was just the nicest guy. He was so great, did a wonderful job and told me how wonderful SA had been to him, telling me about the awesome care packages he'd received and the nice visitors while he was in Germany [after being wounded]. And of course, he did such a great job with Timmy. Really a wonderful person!  Small world! - Holly, Soldiers' Angels Programmer

...Thank you for letting me do something for this brave people, doing a really demanding job overseas. Bless you all in Soldier Angel org, for your job and ongoing support for the troops overseas. Thank you all! Best regard from Inger-Heidi in Norway

I would like to send to all in the staff of Soldiers Angels... a huge thank you! My Marines and I enjoyed all of the packages we got from everyone. They were much needed and at times it became a competition on who got the most care packages which brought out the love we all have for one another. So I would like to say thank you very much!! Please remember all care packages are highly appreciated.  Thank you, Lance Corporal Brom, December 2009

In the Spring of 2008, my commander signed me up for Soldiers' Angels.  I was adopted by a wonderful Angel who I became friends with.  My Angel went above and beyond the call of duty, sending me packages, letters and more!  Her frequent emails meant so much to me.  So when returning to the states, I invited her out to my homecoming.  She flew half way across the country to be there.  Since then, she came to my husbands WLC graduation and this past weekend my family took dinner to her and surprised her!  I got out of the service in April after 11 years. So now I've decided to pay it forward and become a Angel myself. - Loriahn, December 2009

I just wanted to tell you all how great I think this organization is. I am on my 6th soldier that I have adopted!! My first one has since come home, about 2 years ago.  I actually got to meet him last October because he was in my town for awhile. We have become very close friends and kept in touch through Facebook and MySpace. I am actually getting on a plane tomorrow here in Atlanta and flying to Chicago to spend a long weekend with him and go sightseeing in Chicago!

I am so very grateful to Soldiers Angels' for the opportunity to have met him.  He is actually getting deployed again this year, so I am going to keep up my Angel duties when he us gone. Thanks again!!! - Sara

I am so very proud to be able to serve as a Soldiers' Angel….and be a part of the crochet team! I delivered my quilts during Christmas to my local Spokane VA and was thrilled to have them so happily received. I love to serve my Soldiers!  Imagine my surprise when one of my veteran friends gave me a SA denim jacket as a  gift!!! I CRIED like a baby! I wear it EVERYWHERE!!!

I saved the best for last: I just received a "Freedom Team Salute" from the US Army. One of my Soldiers nominated me for the award. Imagine… they are the ones  making the sacrifices yet, they are so incredibly grateful for us. I was so very touched.

My life has truly been changed by one human interest story on the local news about SA almost five years ago. It was then that I signed up and became an "angel". From that moment on, I have pulled family and friends in with me.  Thank you the opportunity to serve through Soldiers' Angels. – Donna

I became an Angel in 2006.  I was also planning my wedding.  As I wrote to my soldier I told him about the progress of my planning.  He wrote back to me and I cried every time I read his letters.  He was right in the midst of the fighting.  He sent me a Christmas card and I cried again.  He wrote to me about bombs and said that if you hear the blast you know you are alive. 

My wedding day came in July of 2007.  It was a wonderful day!  A few weeks after the wedding, I had had a long day a work and when I walked into the door of my home my husband said 'You have a package from your soldier."  I burst into tears.  I carefully opened the box and found the items were wrapped in toilet paper because that was all he had.  He sent us a wedding gift.  Two tall glasses with the dates of the war and the seals for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force.  The glasses were beautiful and I show them to everyone and say, "My soldier gave these to me as a wedding present."

My soldier is home now and we have kept in contact.  I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet and support such a brave, caring man as he fought for our freedom.  -  Sarah

I just wanted to thank you because this has been one of the best experiences of my life.   My second soldier and his roommate plan on coming to visit me next year, and we will talk via email and cell phone when they get home.   I will also keep in contact with my first soldier.

The experience for me has been wonderful!!!! - Jeanne M.

 

Did I tell you what an amazing feeling it was when I saw our heroes off loaded from the medevac into Bethesda yesterday and every single one of them had an Angel backpack??? And a couple of the Marines had their Blankets of Hope covering them as they were wheeled in...and one had on an Angel beanie covering head wounds...I swear until you see it first hand, I don't think it really hits how far the Angels Wings really do reach!!! I am still in awe. - Kassie

I became an Angel just this year, and my soldier emailed me this morning to let me know that he was in Germany.  Safe with his family!!  He is an amazing young man.  He was always thinking of "my soldiers."  He is a staff sergeant with six deployments under his belt.  He made sure that I knew all of his men came home!   ALL of his men!!  I felt like I had adopted them all.  He let me know what kind of movies they liked, the video game systems they had and that they loved football.  I sent them a football & my next letter was addressed to "The Super Nadine O" and "The Troops love you!"  He always told me, "Thank you for everything you do, and your support." 

Patti, without you I never would have had the honor of helping these soldiers.  I send my soldier a "Thank You" - every note I received from him was a lift to my heart.  I don't think my letters and packages made him feel any better than he made me feel.  It brought my heart so much joy to know that I was helping them and that they appreciated the effort and my silly stories.  I was really surprised at myself.... it was so easy to write to him.  I told him about my everyday life, the funny things that happen, the area which I live....I wrote to him just as if he knew everyone in my family.  I introduced him to everyone.

Thank you Patti for Soldiers' Angels.  It is an honor to be a part of something so special! - Nadine O.

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